Three incendiary devices have already been handed in at Camborne police station after an amnesty kicked off this week.

Devon & Cornwall Police launched a campaign asking the public to surrender illegally held or unwanted firearms and ammunition on Monday.

The surrender period runs from November 13 until November 26.

They were deemed non-viable after initial examination and are stored safely and securely until they are collected by Royal Navy EOD.

Members of the public can remain anonymous when they hand in unwanted firearms or ammunition and do not face arrest for illegal possession at the point of surrender.

The history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of prior use associated with crime.

Weapons handed to police during a previous amnesty in Cornwall and Devon

Michelle Mounsey, firearms and explosives licensing manager for the Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police Alliance, said: “We want to take out of circulation any type of firearm and ammunition, which includes guns which can still be fired, antique or unwanted collectible weapons, replica weapons, air weapons, BB guns, stun guns and ammunition that are no longer required.

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“This is an opportunity to surrender firearms and not be charged with illegal possession. Remember that outside of the surrender period if police find you in possession of a firearm without a current certificate then you may be subject of court proceedings which may lead to a custodial sentence.”

Weapons handed in at stations in Cornwall and Devon following a previous amnesty

Many firearms may be overlooked or forgotten in people’s homes. These include trophies of war which have been inherited from a relative or even stored in the loft with the presumption that they are out of harm’s way, or guns thought to be harmless antiques. All can be handed in.

Some people may possess guns that they do not realise are held illegally. This particularly applies to anyone who is serving or who has served a custodial sentence.

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Essentially, if anyone has received a suspended/custodial or youth detention sentence of more than three months but less than three years, they cannot possess a firearm or ammunition for five years after release.

If the sentence was of three years or more then you would become a prohibited person under the Firearms Act and can never possess any type of firearm or ammunition. This applies to antique items as well.

Michelle added: “These are the essentials of the Firearms Act, but there are further provisos about other sentencing that can affect your status to possess firearms and ammunition and when you must declare these after you have been released.

"Effectively, that is immediately, otherwise you are committing an offence.

“The message then is clear - if you have even a shadow of doubt about the legality of a weapon or ammunition that you possess we urge you to hand it in during the surrender.

"We encourage the public to surrender as many guns and rounds of ammunition as possible to be handed in to make our communities safer.”

“During the surrender period those handing in firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession at the point of surrender and they can remain anonymous.

"However, the history of each live weapon will be checked for evidence of its use in crimes and we will robustly investigate any linked criminality.”

Anyone handing in firearms or ammunition during the surrender period is advised to check the opening times of their nearest participating police enquiry office.

Members of the public concerned about transporting items to participating police stations can also seek advice on how to do so by emailing 101@dc.police.uk

Firearms and ammunition must not be left outside any police building if it is closed, nor handed in before or after the surrender period.

If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity contact the police as above or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. This could provide potentially vital information for preventing or solving serious crimes.